Australian Open: Ruse exits seeded Yastremska

In a significant opening-night upset at the 2026 Australian Open, Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse eliminated the 26th seed Dayana Yastremska with a clinical 6-4, 7-5 victory.

The result marks a bitter departure for Yastremska, who just two years ago staged a fairytale run to the semifinals in Melbourne but now exits in the first round.

Currently ranked No. 85, Ruse demonstrated remarkable composure in the second set after letting a commanding 5-1 lead slip away.

Yastremska showcased her trademark grit by winning four consecutive games to level the set at 5-5, but the Romanian recalibrated to break again and serve out the match.

Ruse now advances to the second round, where she awaits the winner of the match between Australian veteran Ajla Tomljanovic and Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva.